Parliament passes budget

The Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti’s $932.92million budget for 2018/2019 was passed by Parliament last night.

The nod of approval was given after three days of budget debate where Parliament worked into the night to discuss the budget allocations.

Cabinet Ministers spent yesterday addressing the concerns raised by Members of Parliament in relation to developments within their constituencies.

In summing up, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi highlighted the importance of the development projects the Government has committed to carry out.

He reminded that since the H.R.P.P. came into power, Samoa has come a long way, socially and economically.

He said Samoa was once among the poorest countries in the world but that has changed due to the Government’s commitment to improve the lives of members of the public.

Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa spoke about the importance of putting people first in terms of development. As Members of Parliament, they should always remember that their work is geared towards improving the prospects of the people they govern.

The Minister of Finance, Sili, tabled the budget under the theme “The Right Path” two weeks ago.

With total Revenues estimated at $849.48million, a deficit of $85.44million is forecasted. Sili said the Budget continues the Government’s commitment to improve the quality of life for all Samoans and continues its commitment to equity.

“There is positive optimism in the economy over the medium term,” Sili said during his budget address.

“It means businesses will enjoy an environment that creates opportunities for them to grow and to help create jobs for our people. It also means there will be fiscal space for government to provide the services required by our people,” he said.

“But we should never lose sight of the fact that Samoa faces a number of risks. That underscores the need for the government to continue to put in place the policy framework that will ensure macroeconomic stability and fiscally responsible.”

Budget allocations

1. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

• $13.8million allocation that includes financing for the following:

• $228,500 to complete the taro, koko and coconut stimulus package;

• $150,000 for the Rhinoceros Beetle eradication project;

• $140,437 to continue to support the Agricultural Development Project which has now expanded to Savaii;

• $60,000 for Coconut Replanting and Breadfruit propagation;

• $300,000 to support Women In Business Development Incorporated.

2. Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour

• $6.5million that includes:

• $450,000 to support funding the operations of the Small Business Enterprise Centre;

• $200,000 to support Private Sector Organizations;

• $178,000 for the Apprenticeship Program.

3. $11.96m to the Samoa Tourism Authority which includes:

• $5.4million to support targeted marketing and promotion efforts in priority markets;